Welcome to the African Fashion Show for Charity project, presented in Moldova through its special edition in 2026 - the Diversity Fashion Show.

Our mission:

At the heart of the project is a commitment to inclusion, visibility, and social cohesion through fashion and creative expression. We aim to:

1. Promote cultural diversity: By showcasing African, Moldovan, Romanian, and other international traditional and contemporary styles, we foster dialogue, mutual respect, and cross-cultural understanding.

2. Empower women and young people: Each edition supports youth and women by offering workshops, creative spaces, access to fabrics and materials, and opportunities to present their designs to a wider audience.

3. Create platforms for emerging designers: We believe in connecting talents across communities and countries. By bringing designers, artisans, and creative industries together, we open doors for collaboration, professional growth, and international exposure.

Our approach:

The project is driven by a committed team of partners, volunteers, and professionals who believe in inclusion, transparency, and collaboration. It combines community workshops, intercultural exchange, and a final fashion show event that brings together diverse communities under one roof. The Diversity Fashion Show highlights Moldova’s ethnic communities, including Ukrainian, Roma, Gagauzian, and Bulgarian groups, alongside African designers and other international partners. Through visibility and equal participation, the project contributes to reducing stereotypes and strengthening social cohesion.

The team:

• Yerie Mary Kamara Paglione, Sierra Leone - Founder of African Fashion Show for Charity project

• Lara Moraru, Project Partner, Republic of Moldova

Board members and the organisational committee are selected annually. Given the volunteer-based nature of the initiative, these roles are filled by individuals with relevant expertise in fashion, event management, communications, finance, and community engagement who are willing to contribute their time and skills.